Gordon Hawkins is critically acclaimed throughout the world for his in-depth interpretations and lush baritone voice. A dramatic baritone with an international reputation as a “Rigoletto specialist,” Mr. Hawkins has delighted audiences as the tragic Verdi underdog in more than 200 performances, most recently with the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, Vancouver Opera, Washington National Opera, Arizona Opera, and Opera Colorado. He is now earning critical acclaim as a Wagner specialist: “Alberich was superbly realized by baritone Gordon Hawkins, in his [Los Angeles Opera] début. Despite wearing a grotesque puppet head and clunky boots that hobbled his movements, Hawkins delivered a sterling vocal characterization of the power-mad Nibelung.” (Opera News). He has been engaged as Alberich in Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen at esteemed international companies including San Francisco Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Seattle Opera, Washington National Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro de la Maestranza de Sevilla, and the BBC Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall in London.
Recently, Mr. Hawkins created the role of the Reverend in the world premiere of Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s Blue at The Glimmerglass Festival, which received rave reviews. He also recorded the piece with Washington National Opera, with critic Ralph P. Lock saying, “The one big name in the cast is Gordon Hawkins, a world-renowned Porgy, Rigoletto and Alberich, who here establishes a rock-solid presence as The Reverend.” He reprised the role with Detroit Opera, Toledo Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Seattle Opera, and most recently with New Orleans Opera.